Congress Theatre, Eastbourne | 8 – 12th November
Keep Dancing | Review
If you haven’t got a ticket to Strictly this season then Keep Dancing – The Ballroom Dance Sensation playing at Eastbourne Congress Theatre from 8 – 12th November is where to head. Led by Robin Windsor, the most recognised professional dancer in the troop, having been in Strictly Come Dancing for several years in the early 2010’s and several Christmas specials, the show is absolutely packed with a huge variety of dance including traditional Ballroom, Latin and more modern arrangements, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Partnered with Anya Garnis (So You Think You Can Dance, USA and partnering Patrick Robinson to the semi-finals on strictly) Louis Smith (Olympian and Strictly winner in 2012) takes to the floor for four guest appearance dances and demonstrates his blend of dance and amazing gymnastic abilities. An excellent cast of supporting dancers brings this show alive through excellent choreography, telling stories and sharing emotions through dance, in group medleys of Jive and Lindy hop and the sultrier Rumba. A stand out dance is the all-male Paso Doble which was elegant and powerful and the hand jive which proves there is nothing better than a live show…… FAB-U-LOUS.
A trio of singers (Lisa-Marie Holmes, Harriette Mullen and Adam Warmington) support the dances throughout the show and each offer solo performances adding more variety to the show. Lisa-Marie’s Adele like voice added a real charm and really captured the era of the songs she performed.
With no story line and very limited narrative, the music and dance is the pure focus for the audience and at times it was difficult for them to show their real appreciation, almost being afraid to interrupt with applause, for an excellent lift or to clap along. As the show unfolded, the audience relaxed a little and couldn’t help themselves but clap along and with a standing ovation of appreciation of the evening at the medley finale. Keep Dancing is a show that anyone who enjoys dance will revel in and sends you home with a spring in your step and a smile on your face.
Reviewer : Julie Warwick